State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), will teach political communication at Hawai'i Pacific University this fall.

The course, an elective in the HPU College of Communication master's program, focuses on campaign strategies, media and governmental relations, rhetorical and demographic analysis and the effect of technology on modern campaigns.

"We are pleased to attract experts in their fields, such as Senator Hanabusa, to share with our students, particularly during a presidential election," John Hart, professor and associate dean of the College of Communication, said in a news release.

A practicing attorney with more than 29 years experience, in 1998 Hanabusa was elected to the post of state senator for the 21st District, which includes the communities of Ko 'Olina, Kahe Point, Nanakuli, Ma'ili, Wai'anae, Makaha, Makua and Ka'ena Point. In November 2006, she was elected to serve as president of the senate — the first woman to lead either house in the Hawai'i Legislature.

Hanabusa attended the University of Hawai'i where she received a bachelor of arts degree in economics and sociology and a master of arts degree in sociology. She completed her juris doctorate at the UH William S. Richardson School of Law.

The class will be offered from 5:15-8:10 p.m. Monday evenings at the downtown campus. For more information, contact communication@hpu.edu.